As he was returning home to the United States, President Trump made a pit-stop in Anchorage, Alaska, where he addressed Air Force troops at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and praised the “brave” service members.
The President landed in Alaska for a refuel as he traveled home from the Summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam.
“I wanted to stop here to share my gratitude to every brave soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, Coast Guardsman, and National Guardsman who serves in the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun,”’ President Trump said at the Alaskan ceremony. “What a beautiful term.”
“You are a powerful warning to the world to never strike American soil,” said the President during his speech to the American troops. “You are a warning that everybody knows about and nobody wants to play with.”
President Trump gave a round of applause to Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R), who attended the ceremony at the base.
“He said, ‘We really appreciate that you got that done,’” the President said of his conversation with Dunleavy about the opening of the coastal plains of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling.
“He clearly recognizes our geographic value and the strategic role Alaska serves in the defense of our nation,” said Dunleavy in response to President Trump’s appearance, according to Military Times.
President Trump shared his memories and told the service members that Alaska is a special place to him as his grandfather was there “for a long time” searching for gold.
He explained that his grandfather did not find any gold but opened hotels for the people who were still looking for gold themselves.
“I’ve always had a very special place in my heart for Alaska,” President Trump said.
President Trump praised the American troops: “To everyone here today who fights for our flag across the globe: Thank you for bravely facing down the danger to protect — and have such danger out there — the lives and liberty of all Americans.”
“Our country is stronger now maybe than it’s ever been. Our military is being rebuilt at a rapid pace. Our economy is powerful. Our economy is probably as good as it’s ever been, or better.” he continued.
“We thank you for your incredible service. We love you,” President Trump said in his concluding remarks. “God bless you. And God bless the men and women of the armed forces. God bless America.”
